Vol Dining at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 7 to celebrate the grand opening of Cumberland Food Hall, a vibrant new dining destination located on the first floor of Hub Knoxville. The project was developed through a partnership with the private developers that brought Hub Knoxville to the section of Cumberland Avenue bordering UT’s campus, locally known as the Strip.
Cumberland Food Hall, which includes seating for nearly 350 people, was developed to serve students living off campus and the broader Knoxville community. It introduces four unique dining options and a state-of-the-art ghost kitchen—a modern approach in which multiple brands are prepared and shared from the same kitchen space. The technology-driven design allows guests to order from several dining concepts through the Grubhub app or at kiosks. Meals are placed into secure lockers for easy pickup, minimizing wait times and reducing congestion.
A variety of foods, including gluten-friendly, vegetarian, vegan and halal options, are available in the hall’s four dining concepts:
- Athenian Grill, serving Mediterranean bowls and gyros made with halal meats and offering customizable fresh flavor options
- A second location of the Big Orange Grill, a partnership with UT’s Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center offering fresh smashburgers and fries made with locally sourced ingredients
- South Street Steaks, specializing in Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and loaded fries
- Zen Sushi & Wok, featuring authentic and freshly made sushi, ramen, wok dishes and bubble teas
“We are excited to open this beautiful, innovative space where the Vol community can come together and enjoy delicious meals just off campus,” said Amanda Hough, director of Vol Dining. “Cumberland Food Hall truly reflects our commitment to creating dining experiences that bring people together.”
The project reflects Vol Dining’s commitment to innovation, student satisfaction and meaningful connection that expands beyond the core of campus. It was made possible by partnerships with Schenk +, Core Spaces, the UT System, UT Facilities Services, Dwell Design Studio, Z Creative Group, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and KaTom Restaurant Equipment.
“As the first university to collaborate with private developers on a food hall of this scale, we are thrilled to open the new space in Hub Knoxville,” said Brian Browning, associate vice chancellor for campus operations and real estate. “When we first met about three and half years ago, the goal was a win-win partnership – and it’s exciting to see that vision come to life for their tenants, our students.”
Hub Knoxville, a multitower community located at 1915 Cumberland Ave., houses nearly 2,000 students on more than four acres. It was developed by Core Spaces and Schenk+ and marks the largest private student development in Knoxville’s history. Cumberland Food Hall is a key part of the project’s estimated 30,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.
“Our goal with Hub Knoxville was to not only deliver a premier living experience for UT students but to also contribute to the transformation and revitalization of the Strip,” said Jared Schenk, principal at Schenk+. “Cumberland Food Hall is a key component of our vision that will benefit our residents, UT students and Knoxville locals for years to come. On behalf of Core and Schenk+, we are grateful to the university for their continued partnership and thrilled to celebrate this milestone together.”
Cumberland Food Hall accepts Dining Dollars, Flex Plan, VolCard account, and credit and debit cards to provide convenient access for all. Students can also use cash equivalency through their meal plans.
Operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, excluding major holidays. To see up-to-date scheduling information for Cumberland Food Hall and other Vol Dining locations, visit dining.utk.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)
Rebecca McKnight (865-974-6687, rmcknight@utk.edu)
